SOUTH Australia's River Murray and Water Security Minister Karlene Maywald will face a challenge at the next state election from the leader of the state's Riverland irrigators.
Murray Irrigators Association chairman Tim Whetstone has won Liberal pre-selection for the seat of Chaffey held by Ms Maywald.
The minister is the only National Party MP in state parliament but was brought into the Labor ministry by Premier Mike Rann.
Liberal leader Martin Hamilton-Smith said he welcomed Mr Whetstone's pre-selection.
"He'll make a strong contribution to our policy and performance on water issues as well as representing the people of the Riverland," Mr Hamilton-Smith said.
"The current member for Chaffey was elected a Nationals MP, but sold her soul to Labor."
Mr Hamilton-Smith said if there was to be a change of government in SA at the next state poll in 2010, then the Liberals would need to win Chaffey.
Recent opinion polls put the Liberals well in front of Ms Maywald.
AAP